The organization that would become known as A.I.M. was originally known as THEM, and was first mentioned in Strange Tales #142 (March 1966). THEM was first depicted in Tales of Suspense #78 (June 1966). Soon after that, the organization would change its name to A.I.M., which first appeared in Strange Tales #146 (July 1966).

A.I.M. is an organization of brilliant scientists and their hirelings dedicated to the acquisition of power and the overthrow of all world governments by technological means. Its leadership traditionally consisted of the seven-member Board of Directors (formerly known as the Imperial Council) with a rotating chairperson. Under the Directors are various division supervisors, and under them are the technicians and salesmen/dealers.

The organization supplies arms and technology to various terrorist and subversive organizations both to foster a violent technological revolution and to make a profit. A.I.M. operatives are usually involved in research, development, manufacturing, and sales of high technology. Members of A.I.M. are required to at least have a Master's degree, if not a Ph.D, in some area of science, mathematics, or business.